Psalms 129:6
Psalms 129:6 in Multiple Translations
May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,
Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, Which withereth before it groweth up;
Let them be like the grass on the house-tops, which is dry before it comes to full growth.
May they be like grass that grows on a roof that withers before it can be harvested,
They shalbe as the grasse on the house tops, which withereth afore it commeth forth.
They are as grass of the roofs, That before it was drawn out withereth,
Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up,
Let them be as the grass upon the house-tops, which withereth before it groweth up:
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
I hope/wish that they will be of no value, like grass that grows on the roofs of houses that dries up and does not grow tall;
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 129:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 129:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִ֭הְיוּ
כַּ/חֲצִ֣יר
גַּגּ֑וֹת
שֶׁ/קַּדְמַ֖ת
שָׁלַ֣ף
יָבֵֽשׁ
יִ֭הְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כַּ/חֲצִ֣יר
châtsîyr
H2682
grass
Prep | N-ms
גַּגּ֑וֹת
gâg
H1406
roof
N-mp
שֶׁ/קַּדְמַ֖ת
qadmâh
H6927
former
Rel | N-fs
שָׁלַ֣ף
shâlaph
H8025
to draw
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יָבֵֽשׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 129:6
יִ֭הְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כַּ/חֲצִ֣יר
châtsîyr
H2682
"grass"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean grass or a type of plant, like a leek. It appears in Numbers 5:18, describing a ritual involving holy water and a grain offering.
Definition: 1a) grass 1b) of the quickly perishing (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: grass, hay, herb, leek. See also: Numbers 11:5; Psalms 147:8; Psalms 37:2.
גַּגּ֑וֹת
gâg
H1406
"roof"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for roof, or the top of an altar, like the one in the temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) roof, top, housetop 1a) roof (of house) 1b) top (of altar of incense)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: roof (of the house), (house) top (of the house). See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 102:8.
שֶׁ/קַּדְמַ֖ת
qadmâh
H6927
"former"
Rel | N-fs
Something that comes before or is from an earlier time, like in the book of Romans where it talks about the old covenant. It can also mean something is former or from a previous state, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke.
Definition: 1) antiquity, former state or estate or situation, before, origin 1a) antiquity, beginning, origin 1b) former state or situation conj 1c) before Aramaic equivalent: qad.mah (קַדְמָה "previously" H6928)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: afore, antiquity, former (old) estate. See also: Psalms 129:6; Ezekiel 16:55; Isaiah 23:7.
שָׁלַ֣ף
shâlaph
H8025
"to draw"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.
Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.
יָבֵֽשׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 129:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 129:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 129:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 129:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 129:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 129:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
- Sermons on Psalms 129:6
Context — The Cords of the Wicked
4The LORD is righteous; He has cut me from the cords of the wicked.
5May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.
6May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,
7unable to fill the hands of the reaper, or the arms of the binder of sheaves. 8May none who pass by say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:2 | For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants. |
| 2 | Psalms 92:7 | that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 19:26 | Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 17:5–6 | This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. |
| 5 | Matthew 13:6 | But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. |
| 6 | Isaiah 37:27 | Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. |
Psalms 129:6 Summary
This verse is saying that people who oppose God's people will not thrive or succeed, but will instead wither and die like grass on a rooftop that doesn't get enough water or care. This is because God is a righteous God who hates wickedness and loves His people, as seen in Psalms 37:28 and Deuteronomy 7:9-10. Just like grass on a rooftop can't grow without nourishment, people who oppose God can't truly flourish or find fulfillment, as stated in John 10:10 and 1 John 2:17. We can trust that God will ultimately bring justice and bless His people, as promised in Psalms 1:3 and Jeremiah 32:41.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the comparison to grass on rooftops mean in Psalms 129:6?
The comparison to grass on rooftops in Psalms 129:6 signifies a lack of nourishment and care, leading to withering and death, much like the fate of those who oppose God's people, as seen in Psalms 1:3 and Matthew 13:6.
Why does the Psalmist pray for the wicked to wither like grass on rooftops?
The Psalmist prays for the wicked to wither like grass on rooftops because they have opposed God's people and His ways, as stated in Psalms 129:5, and as seen in the prayers of other Psalms, such as Psalms 35:26 and Psalms 109:29.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This verse is part of a larger prayer for God's judgment on those who hate Zion, as stated in Psalms 129:5, and serves as a continuation of the theme of God's righteousness and justice, as seen in Psalms 129:4 and Psalms 37:28.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse teaches us that God is a righteous God who hates wickedness and opposes those who oppose His people, as seen in Psalms 5:5 and Proverbs 6:16-19, and that He will ultimately bring judgment on those who persist in their wicked ways, as stated in Psalms 7:11 and Revelation 20:12-15.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I see the withering of the wicked in my own life or in the world around me, and how can I pray for God's justice to be done?
- How can I cultivate a heart that longs for God's righteousness and justice, even when it's difficult or unpopular, as seen in Psalms 37:30 and Micah 6:8?
- What are some ways that I can be a blessing to God's people, rather than opposing them, and how can I pray for God's people to be blessed and prosper, as stated in Psalms 122:6 and Jeremiah 29:7?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the face of opposition or hardship, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 129:6
Let them be as the grass [upon] the housetops,.... The tops of the houses in Judea were flat, and so grass grew upon them, being covered with plaster of terrace; though it was but small and weak, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 129:6
Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up: Let them be as the grass upon the house-tops, which withereth afore it groweth up - (Psalms 37:2; Isaiah 37:27.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
The house-tops there were flat, and therefore more capable of grass or green corn growing between the stones than ours are. Which withereth afore it groweth up; which having no deep root, never comes to maturity. And so all their designs shall be abortive, and never come to perfection.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
Psalms 129:6 Let them be as the grass [upon] the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:Ver. 6. Let them be as the grass, &c.] They are cursed with a witness whom the Holy Ghost thus curseth in such an emphatic manner, in such exquisite terms.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
(6) Which withereth afore it groweth up.—This clause, with its Aramaic colouring, probably contains a textual error. The context seems certainly to require the meaning “before it is plucked up,” and many scholars get this meaning out of the Hebrew verb used elsewhere of “plucking off a shoe” and “drawing a sword.” They give, which is no doubt legitimate, an impersonal sense to the active verb, “which withereth before one pulls it up.” The LXX. (received text), the Vulg., Theodotion, and the Quinta favour this rendering. On the other hand, the image of grass withering before it comes to maturity is exactly what we should expect here, growing as it does without soil (comp. the “seed on the rock” in the parable of the sower), and suggests a more complete and sudden destruction of the enemies, who perish before the abortive plans of evil can be carried out. The rendering of the Authorised Version is therefore to be retained, and is actually supported by Aquila, Symmachus, the Sexta, and in various readings of the LXX. A thatched cottage in our country might present the picture suggested by the verse, but it was much more familiar where the housetops were flat and plastered with a composition of mortar, tar, ashes, and sand, which, unless carefully rolled, would naturally become covered with weeds. Indeed, in many cases, especially on the poorest sort of houses, the roof would be little better than hard mud. For similar allusions comp. 2 Kings 19:26 and Isaiah 37:27.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
Verse 6. As the grass upon the housetops] As in the east the roofs of the houses were flat, seeds of various kinds falling upon them would naturally vegetate, though in an imperfect way; and, because of the want of proper nourishment, would necessarily dry and wither away. If grass, the mower cannot make hay of it; if corn, the reaper cannot make a sheaf of it. Let the Babylonians be like such herbage-good for nothing, and come to nothing. Withereth afore it groweth up] Before שלק shalak, it is unsheathed; i.e., before it ears, or comes to seed.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 129:6
6. as the grass upon the housetops] Cp. Isaiah 37:27. Grass or corn springs up quickly on the flat roofs of oriental houses, but having no depth of soil (Matthew 13:5 f.) it withers prematurely away, and yields no joyous harvest. afore it groweth up] Lit. before it has unsheathed, put out its flower-stalk and given promise of fruit. So let Zion’s enemies perish before they can mature their plots. The rendering of P.B.V., afore it be plucked up, is that of some MSS of the LXX, and the Vulg. (‘priusquam evellatur’), but though possible, is less suitable.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 129:6
Let them be as the grass upon the housetops - The housetops, or roofs of houses, covered with sand or earth, in which seeds of grass may germinate and begin to grow, but where, as there is no depth
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 129:6
6. Grass upon the housetops—Which never comes to maturity for want of root and moisture, and hence is proverbially worthless.
Sermons on Psalms 129:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Epistle 252 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious |
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The Glorious Opposites by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son going skydiving and the intense emotions he experienced during the jump. He relates this to the need for believers |
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The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 12 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall emphasizes the necessity of faith as a shield for Christians to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, which represent the temptations and attacks from the enemy. He |
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This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
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All Things Conspire for Evil to the Sinner by Charles Finney | Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon emphasizing the dire consequences of sin, asserting that all things conspire for the ruin of the wicked. He contrasts the fate of sinners |
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How’s Your Sowing Coming Along? by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches about the current state of the world, highlighting the increase of evil and instability, and the imminent harvest of evil that God will eradicate. He emphasiz |
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Esther #3 Ch. 5-7 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Esther from the Bible. He highlights a scene where the king wants to reward Mordecai, but Haman, who wants to hang Mordecai, co |